Being a Speech Delivered by Seyi Babaeko, MD/CEO of Absolute Security and Advance Protocol Ltd, at the Annual Public Induction Organized by Better Nigeria in Practice, in Collaboration with Observer Watch, at the Merit House Abuja on Thursday, October 10, 2024
Mr. Chairman, Sir, permit me to stand on the existing protocols.
Distinguished guests, esteemed colleagues, and my fellow Nigerian youth, it is a profound honor and privilege to stand before you today. I extend my sincere gratitude to the organizers of this distinguished program for giving me the opportunity to address a topic of such critical national and global importance: “Security as a Major Obstacle to Development: The Role of Youth in Constructing a Secure Nigeria.”
Security, in its essence, is the state of being protected from danger, harm, or existential threats. It forms the bedrock upon which any flourishing society is anchored. Without it, progress is stifled, dreams are deferred, and nations are immobilized. On the other hand, development can be defined as the continuous and dynamic process of fostering growth, advancement, and positive transformation within a society—socially, economically, and politically. However, it is an irrefutable truth, clear to the perceptive and undeniable to the critical observer, that no meaningful or sustainable development can take root in an environment beset by insecurity.
Nigeria, a nation brimming with untapped potential, has long grappled with the profound challenges of insecurity—challenges that have eroded our social fabric, disrupted economic progress, and tarnished our national identity. From insurgencies in the North to rampant kidnappings, banditry, and cybercriminal activities, the specter of insecurity looms large over our aspirations. Yet, amid this seemingly insurmountable crisis, one irreplaceable asset stands tall: the Nigerian youth.
Nigerian youth, constituting approximately 64% of our population, represent an unparalleled reservoir of energy, innovation, and resilience. The United Nations defines youth as individuals aged between 15 and 24, an age range synonymous with vitality, creativity, and boundless potential. The strength of this demographic, if properly harnessed, holds the key to securing a brighter future for our nation. However, this can only be achieved if the youth are fully engaged, empowered, and equipped to be catalysts of positive change.
Yet, there exists a chasm between the leaders of today and the youths they claim to serve. This disconnect has led to widespread disillusionment, frustration, and, for many, a sense of marginalization. But rather than succumb to the lethargy of despair, I urge my fellow youth to transcend these barriers and rise as the architects of a new Nigeria. We must reorient ourselves, recalibrate our strategies, and confront the challenges of our time with a renewed sense of purpose and vigor.
The Role of Youth in Constructing a Secure and Developed Nigeria
Youth must no longer be relegated to the periphery of decision-making processes. Rather, we must assert our role as pivotal stakeholders in the nation’s security architecture. A secure Nigeria requires the active participation of its youth, not just as beneficiaries, but as leaders and innovators. Our collective potential, when aligned with strategic goals and coherent policies, can redefine the socio-economic and political landscape of our nation. The era of platitudes and empty promises is over. Now is the time for actionable solutions—solutions that address the root causes of insecurity and cultivate an environment conducive to peace and prosperity.
Insecurity is a multifaceted issue, exacerbated by economic inequality, political instability, and social fragmentation. But it is also a problem that can be solved if we, the youth, take ownership of the narrative. We must invest in education, entrepreneurship, and civic engagement as pillars of sustainable security. The key to Nigeria’s future lies not in rhetoric, but in the tangible actions we take to dismantle the barriers to peace.
Way Forward and Recommendations
First and foremost, Nigerian youth must categorically reject any involvement in criminal activities. The temptation of illicit gain through banditry, kidnapping, drug trafficking, and cybercrime may offer fleeting rewards, but it is ultimately a path of destruction—for oneself and for the nation. Youth must embody integrity, resilience, and responsibility in all their endeavors, becoming paragons of virtue in the fight against insecurity.
Second, we must be active in reporting crime. Silence, in the face of wrongdoing, is complicity. Nigerian youth must establish a robust alliance with law enforcement and community leaders to ensure that criminal elements are rooted out. We must foster trust between citizens and the security apparatus to effectively combat crime at all levels. Reporting and accountability are crucial in building safe communities.
Third, the youth must become champions of peace and national unity. Nigeria’s diversity is one of its greatest strengths, yet it has often been exploited as a tool of division. Youth must transcend ethnic, religious, and regional lines, embracing a vision of Nigeria that is inclusive, cohesive, and united. By fostering national unity, we create a foundation for sustainable peace and security.
Moreover, Nigerian youth must resolutely resist manipulation by the political elite. For too long, young people have been used as instruments of violence during election periods, hired as political thugs to perpetrate chaos. This undermines not only our democracy but also our integrity. We must be advocates for free, fair, and peaceful elections, holding leaders accountable to their promises and demanding transparency at every level of governance.
Finally, it is imperative that Nigerian youth invest in self-development. A secure and prosperous Nigeria cannot exist without a well-educated, skilled, and empowered youth population. By pursuing education, entrepreneurship, and vocational skills, we lay the groundwork for economic stability and reduce the drivers of insecurity. A youth population that is gainfully employed and intellectually equipped is less likely to be drawn into criminal enterprises.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the future of Nigeria rests on the shoulders of its youth. We are not mere spectators to the nation’s destiny; we are its vanguards. The nexus between security and development is undeniable, and it is through the proactive engagement of Nigerian youth that we will secure a brighter future. The challenges may be formidable, but our resolve must be stronger. Let us move beyond lamentation and embrace the work of nation-building.
I firmly believe that a secure Nigeria is within our grasp—if we are willing to act. Let us reorganize rather than agonize, and together, let us build the Nigeria of our dreams.
Thank you for your attention, and may we continue to work toward a peaceful, secure, and prosperous Nigeria.
May God bless the Nigerian youth.
May God bless Absolute Security and Advance Protocol Ltd.
And may God bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
